TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MOTIONS ONLY
FEBRUARY 6, 2007
I. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
Mr. Crouch called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at the East Windsor Town Hall.
II. ATTENDANCE
Kenneth Crouch, First Selectman
Thomas Sinsigallo, Selectman
Gil Hayes, Selectman
Edward Filipone, Selectman
III. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
MOTION: To add the following agenda item: New Business, Item F. Cancellation of the February 20, 2007 Regular Board of Selectmen’s meeting/ a special joint meeting will be scheduled with the Board of Finance on Wednesday February 21, 2007 with a special Board of Selectmen’s meeting to follow.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To add the following agenda item: New Business, Item G. Application of Denise Sabotka Menard for First Selectmen.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
Discussion: Mr. Crouch indicated that the appointment of the First Selectmen was not something to discuss tonight. Mr. Crouch came started the duties on Monday and has talked with the Town Attorney about the procedure to take, a road map for how to appoint a first selectmen in light of Ms. Robert’s resignation. Mr. Sinsigallo indicated that it was clear in the Charter how to go about this, but Mr. Crouch reaffirmed that he would like to discuss this with the Town Attorney and discuss it at another meeting.
VOTE: In favor: Hayes, Sinsigallo
Opposed: Crouch, Filipone
MOTION DID NOT CARRY.
IV. PREVIOUS MINUTES
A. Special Joint Meeting Minutes of January 16, 2007
MOTION: To accept the Joint Meeting Minutes of January 16, 2007, as submitted.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Filipone
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
B. Regular Meeting Minutes of January 16, 2007
MOTION: To accept the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 16, 2007, as submitted.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Filipone
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Denise Sabotka Menard, 73 Miller Road
Ms. Menard read a statement and stressed her opinion that the Board should consider her letter and request for appointment as First Selectman. This is something that was known to occur a month ago and no action was taken. The Town Attorney has been consulted and fees paid, and there should be no further need for more significant attorney fees to ask the attorney how to appoint someone to an office. Ms. Menard was surprised there has been no other mention of the resignation other than a letter, which does not ask for acceptance of a resignation. Ms. Menard further indicated she has received phone call from concerned citizens who want to know who is running the town, if there is someone there full time? She emphasized that the stall tactic for political reasons should stop and a party
member who is best qualified should be appointed. She indicated she is available to be interviewed for the position.
Marie DeSousa, Rice Road
Ms. DeSousa spoke as a concerned citizen, the Chairman of the Democratic Town Committee and as a member of various Boards and Commissions and she read a statement in favor of appointing Denise Sabotka Menard as First Selectman. She felt the resignation of the First Selectman was apparent and the Town should work toward a common goal of installing a qualified person in the position. She outlined that the budget season is upon us and something needs to be done. Ms. DeSousa outlined that Ms. Menard has the knowledge, education, background and support to be appointed as First Selectman. Appropriate action should be taken to avoid the cost of a referendum. She also concurred with Ms. Menard that the public needs to be informed of the situation and what measures are being taken to remedy it.
Bill Loos, Melrose Road
Mr. Loos indicated concern about the term of the First Selectman, which was changed from two years to four years. He felt that now the Selectmen should call a special town meeting and change the Charter to put the term of the First Selectman back to two years.
Kathy Bilodeau
Ms. Bilodeau indicated that the recent suggested Charter changes did not pass on the ballot, and the town already voted for the Charter to remain the same.
*Ms. DeSousa commented that the Charter changes did not suggest a change in First Selectman term, therefore, moot point.
Karen Gaudreau, Town Clerk
Ms. Gaudreau indicated that Ms. Roberts resignation has been received by the Town Clerk’s office and has been forwarded to the Secretary of State. This is an official resignation – the letter has been received and acted on - Ms. Roberts has resigned.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS – For the Board’s information and briefly overviewed.
A. First Selectman Linda Roberts Resignation Letter
MOTION: To accept, with regret, the letter of resignation of Linda Robert, First Selectman.
Made by Mr. Filipone, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
B. Immediate Press Release from CRRA
C. Budget Schedule
D. Reid and Riege, Counselors At Law, Re: Shoham Road Transfer
E. Scully & Wolf News Article
F. Dare Car Sale
G. Cut Mower Sale
H. CCM/2007 State Legislative Priorities
I. Connecticut Mayor’s Institute on Community Design
MOTION: To go out of agenda order to Executive Session.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Filipone
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
*IX EXECUTIVE SESSION
In accordance with Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200 (6) (B)
Ratification of Police Department Contract
MOTION: To enter into Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. in accordance with Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200 (6)(B); Ratification of Police Department Contract; to include members of the Board of Selectmen and the Town Attorney.
Made by Mr. Filipone, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To come out of Executive Session at 8:10 p.m.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Filipone
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To ratify the Police Department Contract as presented.
Made by Mr. Filipone, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
Consensus to return to agenda order.
VII. SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
A. Kenneth Crouch, First Selectman
· The purchase of the Tshummi property is complete.
· U.S. Hauling will be taking over the trash pick up. It does not effect the three year contract the Town has in place.
B. Thomas Sinsigallo, Selectman – No report
C. Edward Filipone, Selectman
· WPCA – The latest applications and decisions were discussed.
· PZC – The latest applications and decisions were discussed. The Zoning Regulations are just about done. A Fines Ordinance will come to the Selectmen in the future for review.
E. Gilbert Hayes, Selectman
· Volunteer Incentive Committee – The third quarter of the budget was discussed and it looks like again they will come in under budget.
· Board of Education – The Literacy Program was outlined and the possible removal of that program. Mr. Hayes outlined his advocacy of keeping that program intact and outlined his rationale behind the importance of the program.
VIII. BOARD AND COMMISSION RESIGNATIONS & APPOINTMENTS
A. Resignation: None
B. Re-Appointment: None
C. New Appointments, Applications to be considered:
· Thomas V. Arcari (R), to fill regular member vacancy on ZBA,
term expiring 11/20/1007
MOTION: To appoint Thomas V. Arcari as a regular member to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill a vacancy, term to expire 11/20/2007.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
DISCUSSION: Mr. Crouch outlined that it is the normal process, if possible, to move an alternate up to a regular member when requested.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
· Kathleen A. Bilodeau (R), to fill regular member vacancy on ZBA,
term expiring 11/20/2007 - NO ACTION
*It was noted that, if she choses, Ms. Bilodeau can apply for the alternate position and it can be discussed at the next meeting.
D. Vacancies: Attachment
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
MOTION: To go out of agenda order to New Business, Item A.
Made by Mr. Filipone, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
A. Agriculture Viability Grant Resolution
Ms. Whitten, Director of Planning and Development, came before the board to outline the $34,800 awarded grant. The Town Clerk’s initials will be corrected on the Resolution before it is signed. The inventory is expected to be done by Summer, and the remaining requirements by the end of the year. The Town need not contribute any monies, just the donation of time to complete the initiative. Ms. Whitten assured it is not taking away from staff normal duties, as they multi-task daily, the time will be found and volunteers will contribute as well. Ms. Whitten said they will make it work.
MOTION: To adopt (as read and attached to the regular meeting minutes) the Resolution entitled “Farm Viability Grant”.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Filipone.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
*Consensus to return to Agenda order
A. Ordinance Regulating The Use Of Recreational Vehicles
Ms. Yosky came before the Board and presented paperwork which detailed the changes to the ordinance and the make up of the committee who made the changes. Statutes are not referenced in the ordinance as they are the authority and do not need to be reiterated in the ordinance. The Committee sought assistance of the DMV and DEP. The proposed changes were made as a result of discussions that took place at a Town Meeting. It was the consensus that this ordinance needs to go to the Town Attorney for review and comment. The Board of Selectmen will discuss this at a future meeting, once the Town Attorney’s comments have been received.
B. Request to Lease Town Owned Properties/Reichle
Glen Reichle came before the Board to discuss his proposal regarding leases. He presented pictures and maps for the Board’s review. He specifically defined the 80 acres of interest on the Kogut property. He also outlined that the hedge row at Reservoir and Windsorville will stay in plast, some shrubs will be replanted if there is a need to do so, but otherwise it will remain intact. Discussion took place on Mr. Reichle’s request regarding using the Town Chipper and work with the Town Crew. Mr. Reichle presented an argument that the Town will benefit from his clearing, so the use of Town equipment and personnel seemed logical for this endeavor. Mr. Crouch spoke with Len Norton, Director of Public Works, and it does not appear to present a problem for the chipper and crew to
be present at some point in the future, but it is not something that needs to be in the lease agreement. It was made clear the possible use of the Town’s wood chipper and town public works employee assistance will be at the Town’s discretion. Any burning that is proposed will be subject to the appropriate permitting.
MOTION: To amend the Motion made in the January 16, 2007 minutes (New Business, Item A, first Motion) to read as follows: To lease the tillable portion of the Tschummi property to G. Reichle Farms, contingent on closing, for one (1) year lease, renewable up to twenty (20) years, and use of shed at no additional charge, with the caveat the Town can give one year notice to get out of the lease.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To lease the property known as the Kogut Property, approximately 80 acres (6 different parcels as outlined on map attached to regular minutes) to G. Reichle Farms for a one (1) year Lease, renewable up to twenty (20) years. The Lease will be at no charge for five (5) years, after five (5) years standard town leasing rates will apply. Caveat: The Town can give one (1) year notice to get out of the Lease.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Filipone
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
C. *Adult Day Care Transportation (will report back March 2007)
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Agriculture Viability Grant Resolution
Addressed out of order and motion made – see above.
B. Park and Recreation Projects planned for Town Hall Annex for 2007
Ms. Green came before the Board and presented the plans regarding a basketball court at the Town Hall Annex. The funds that had been transferred in the past from site acquisition were going to be used on this project. The basketball court will be moved away from the parking lot, but a perimeter fence will be added for safety. Discussions between Park and Recreation and Public Works as to will maintain the property will take place and they will decide on the course to take.
MOTION: To grant Parks and Recreation permission to establish a basketball court, as presented, on the Town Hall Annex Property.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Filipone
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
C. Request for Added Appropriations
· Legal Fees
Mr. Crouch outlined that he is investigating this issue and this will be discussed at a joint meeting.
MOTION: To table this agenda item.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
D. Request from Town Clerk
It was the consensus that this agenda item be held in Executive Session.
MOTION: To enter executive session at 9:15 p.m. in accordance with Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200 (6) (a) Personnel Issue to include members of the Board of Selectmen, Karen Gaudreau and Cynthia Croxford.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To come out of Executive Session at 9:35 p.m.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To recommend to the Board of Finance an added appropriation of $4852.85 to the Town Clerk Salary Line to compensate for unused vacation time. The Board of Selectmen and the Town Clerk will work together to draft a written agreement regarding comp time accrued due to extenuating circumstances and lack of personnel in the Town Clerk’s office.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Filipone.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
E. Tax Refunds
MOTION: To approve the tax refunds in the amount of $7,861.66 as recommended by the Tax Collector.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Filipone
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
F. Cancellation of the February 20, 2007 Regular Board of Selectmen’s meeting/ a special joint meeting will be scheduled with the Board of Finance on Wednesday February 21, 2007 with a special Board of Selectmen’s meeting to follow.
NO ACTION TAKEN
XI. EXECUTIVE SESSION
In accordance with Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200 (6) (B)
Ratification of Police Department Contract
Discussed out of order, see above for details.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn at 9:35 p.m.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Hayes
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia D. Croxford
Recording Secretary
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